35 Dogs Waiting For A Home At Animal Shelter

A recent influx of dogs at the Payson Humane Society threatens to turn a happy holiday season into a dour one for shelter employees who may have to start putting them down -- not to mention dogs like Freckles, who may end up with a few less buddies on Christmas day.

Freckles was selected by shelter staffers to be the "front" dog in a thinly disguised publicity stunt to get some dogs adopted before that eventuality comes to pass.

Jim Keyworth/Roundup

Freckles was selected by shelter staffers to be the "front" dog in
a thinly disguised publicity stunt to get some dogs adopted before
that eventuality comes to pass.

If, in the process, Freckles finds a home of her own, all the better. While she's billed as a pit bull mix, you won't find a sweeter creature in all of dogdom.

During the photo shoot, Freckles willingly donned reindeer ears, some kind of Santa headpiece, and a Santa hat -- asking nothing in return but a pat of appreciation from the weird humans who insisted on taking away her dignity.

And when she spotted Chelsea the cat in a nearby enclosure, she curiously but tentatively padded over for a closer look. When Chelsea reached through the chicken wire to give Freckles a warning smack, she wasn't the least bit aggressive in return.

Freckles, one of the 35 dogs currently housed at the shelter, is 2 years old and ready to make some lucky family a wonderful holiday gift. If Freckles isn't for you, come on down to the shelter and pick out the one that is.

Dogs and cats cost $70, which includes all shots, spaying or neutering, and an identification microchip. With the Payson Humane Society's Home 4 the Holidays program, those who adopt a shelter animal by the end of the year will receive a special adoption kit, a coupon for free food courtesy of Payson Feed, and a chance to win $100 worth of veterinary fees courtesy of Paws in the Park.

The shelter is located at 812 S. McLane Road, just south of Main Street. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Food and supply drive

Donations are still being accepted for the humane society's Annual Food and Supply Drive for puppies, kittens, cats and dogs.